M&S Financial Services offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car Insurance policies are much the same is usually a bad idea. At worst it can be a very expensive mistake - this is when you find out that your Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Financial Services Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with M&S 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, or Tesco Direct:

• Personal UK and European Breakdown Cover automatically included
• Comprehensive cover for trips abroad in the European Union - up to 90 days per trip
• Courtesy car during approved repairs automatically included
• Cover for Motor Legal Protection automatically included

So, it is clear that, besides being good value, M&S Car Insurance also provides much more extensive cover than some of the top competitors. Additionally, you don't even need to be behind the wheel to benefit from M&S Financial Services UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

When you're shopping at Marks & Spensers online store for your summer outfit, or looking for furniture to give your home a makeover, then spend a moment to also consider products from M&S Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Financial Services. With images of volcano ash still fresh in many traveller's minds, it's good to remember there were many travellers who ended up wishing they had spent just a few pounds extra to obtain travel insurance for their trip. Of course, unfortunately, after the event is too late!

In fact, had you purchased travel insurance from M&S Financial Services, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Financial Services website would have seen a message stating that although claims relating to volcanic eruptions are not normally covered by travel insurance, that on this particular occasion, they would "allow claims from UK customers affected by the volcanic ash that has recently grounded flights."

M&S Financial Services Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Car Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Car Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, M&S Financial Services Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Portfolio Tencel® Crosshatch Trousers with Linen, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Portfolio's Set Sail trend. Fresh and breezy, this sophisticated look features classic styling with vibrant accents of summertime pinks and blues. Feminine and coordinated designs for the new season

Chrome Collection Tumbler, at Mark's & Spencer
Chrome effect Cylinder design 10 x 6.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Little Red Riding Hood, at Marks and Spenser
Little Red Riding Hood is the classic fairytale, re-written especially for first readers. A charming storybook that will be a big hit with your little first time readers

Château Puy Mouton 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph™ Large Precious Petals Bouquet, at Marks and Spenser
This arrangement of beautiful Esperance roses and white hydrangeas will make an amazing gift that's sure to impress All Autograph bouquets are beautifully presented, wrapped by hand and finished with Autograph™ branded frosted cellophane Available for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

Gold Rope Photo Frame 13 x 18cms (5 x 7"), at Marks and Spencer
Gold rope design Aperture: 13 x 18cms (5 x 7"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spencer
This fashionable top is made from super soft fabric that looks and feels great. Modern styling details give it a cool contemporary edge

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Assorted Colour Trunks, at Marks & Spensers
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

Piedmont Barbera 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Barbera Country of origin: Italy Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Ceriso Floral Print DD-G Padded Bra, at Marks n Spencer
Flirty and feminine this modern bra is beautifully detailed with a frill trim and floral print design. Soft padding and underwiring give great support and a fabulous flattering shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Mock Crocodile Leather Bag, at Marks and Spencer
A gorgeous fashion accessory as well as a practical piece of luggage, this overnight bag is made from leather with a mock croc design. It has a 28 litre capacity and comes with a detachable shoulder strap and padlock

Stick On Bra, at M & S
Thanks to these moulded cups, you can get discreet support - great for wearing with strapless or backless dresses and tops

Cotton Rich Low Rise Spot Print Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these stylish spot print shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Autograph Leather Faux Crocodile Skin Tote Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Luxurious and beautiful, this leather tote bag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's made from soft hardwearing leather and is useful and practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Single Glasses - MAXIM WINE SGL, at Marks & Spencers
This eye-catching wine glass combines an elegant, simple stem with a burst of colour on the body

Pure Cotton Plain Eyelet Curtains, at Marks and Spenser
Plain Comes in standard 130cm/51in (STD) and wider 168cm/66in (WDR) widths Comes in 2 drop lengths: short (137cm/54in) and long (229cm/90in) How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Laska Freestanding Tap, at Mark's & Spencer
H30 x W20 x D4cm Sink and Sink Unit sold separately Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wood Collection - 3 Storage Boxes, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 3 different sizes Double side handles Wooden H35.5 x W35.5 x D32.5cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Wool 3 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Mini Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this long sleeve shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features mini check design

Flat Front Charcoal Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this suit is outstanding value! It's made from comfortable hardwearing fabric, ideal for everyday wear

3D Rosebud Cushion - Red, at Marks & Spencer
Square shape 3D rose appliqu design L43 x W43, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Twist Bead Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks and Spencer
2 part set Twist bead design Hook fastening drop earrings Clasp fastening necklace Necklace length 44cm, extendable by 8cm For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo 4GB, at M+S
Optimum for storing, sharing and transferring thousands of high quality pictures, videos and music Memory: Flash Memory Storage Capacity: 4GB Dimensions: 20 x 31 x 1.6mm Weight: 2g Operating Voltage: 2.7 V - 3.6 V Environmental temperature: -25C to 85C Minimum write speed: 15 Mbps(1875MB/sec) Free to Download, the Memory Stick Data Rescue Service enables quick recovery of deleted photographs and files(www.sonydigital-link.com/memstick/) Warranty: 5 years Delivered with a standard size adaptor Ideal for high resolution video recording Compatible with copyright protection technology ("MagicGate")

Autograph Exclusive Sea Island Cotton Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
Grown form the world's rarest variety of cotton, Sea Island Cotton flourishes exclusively in the perfect climatic conditions of the West Indies. Hand-picked and gently processed, the extraordinarily long fibres - up to 52mm - are woven into a cotton fabric that boasts the remarkable softness of cashmere and the superior durability of wool

Pure Cotton Multiple Pocket Jeans, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and practical, these cotton jeans are hardwearing and comfy. The 'sheriff' motif gives a cute look

Ladies Bling Sports Watch, at Marks & Spencers
Analogue Round face Diamant detail Cushion strap Buckle fastening Bold numerals

Wisteria Small Rollercase, at Marks&Spencer
Smart and practical, this rollercase is made from hardwearing fabric and is fully lined. It features lock trolley system and comes with a padlock for security

Cotton Rich Floral Print Shorts, at Marks & Spenser
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these pretty floral print shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Pure Cotton Ruffle Stripe Top, at Marks and Spencers
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features ruffle trim placket detail for a stylish casual look

Shopping for financial products at M&S Financial Services UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the M+S online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Financial Services website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Marks & Spensers, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Financial Services in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Financial Services website.